THE battle between two of the most in-form Twenty20 batsmen in Dubbo will headline tonight's McDonald's Megahit semi-final at No. 1 Oval.
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The Cricketers Arms Journeymen and Christies Crackerjacks do battle in a winner-takes-all clash but much of the attention will be on Greg Buckley and Keiran Brien.
Journeymen's all-rounder Buckley has been a standout in all forms of cricket since his return to RSL-Colts earlier this season while the Macquarie and the Crackerjacks captaincy seems to have done wonders for Brien in season 2014-15.
Englishman Buckley smashed six sixes and six fours on his way to 80 not out in the Journeymen's most recent win over Rugby while Brien was equally impressive, belting the Castlereagh Hornets for four sixes and nine fours in his innings of 88.
While noting his own performance would be crucial for the Crackerjacks, Brien admitted Buckley was the biggest obstacle standing between his side and a spot in the decider against the waiting Newtown.
"He's definitely in good form, I haven't seen too many of their matches but they really do bat one to 11," he said.
"They've got the best team of any side in the Whitney Cup or Megahit but Greg has been getting most of their runs and he's the danger man."
The Crackerjacks might not have the biggest names in their bowling attack but it has proved consistent throughout the Megahit season, with everyone called upon able to do a job.
"The main man this season has been Angus Cusack and he's only a young guy but has really taken on the challenge," Brien said.
"Then there's the older head of Shane (Dupille) and he's got plenty of experience, Nath Reichelt has bowled really tight and 'Gavo' (Justin Gavin) gets through his overs quick and is a big help to me when setting fields."
Tim Howarth has proved a handy sidekick to Buckley at the top of the Journeymen batting lineup and the Crackerjacks will also need to dismiss him early.
While Buckley and Howarth have been outstanding in recent games, the fact hardly any other batsmen has played a Twenty20 innings recently is something Brien and his men will be keen to take advantage of.
The Crackerjacks, as they have for most of 2015, will again be without Jason Green but in Ed Haylock, Justin Gavin and Ian Marchant there is still plenty of batting to support Brien.
The way their attack can deal with the new-ball threat of Tim Cox and then the spin of Wes Giddings and Buckley will be vital to their chances.
"We'll try and come out and play to our strengths but in saying that we really aim to build our innings around Ed Haylock," Brien said.
"We've always said that if one person can bat all the way through in a Twenty20 then you'll end up with a good score because guys can bat around him."
With canteen facilities again available and Christies Accountants putting $100 up for grabs for the first crowd catch of the night there is sure to be a big crowd on hand for the first of the 2014-15 finals.
Tonight's match begins at 6.30pm at No.1 Oval.